Put the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and butter in a large bowl and beat on a slow speed using an electric whisk until you get a sandy consistency and everything is combined.

Preheat the oven to 170C

Gradually pour in the milk and beat until the milk is just incorporated.

Whisk the egg and vanilla extract into the flour mixture and continue beating until just incorporated (scrape any unmixed ingredients from the side of the bowl with a rubber spatula).

Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth. Do not overmix.

Pour the mixture into a measuring jug to pour easier into the paper cases.

Spoon the mixture into the paper case until two-thirds full and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until light golden and the sponge bounces back when touched (a skewer inserted in the centre should come out clean).

Leave the cupcakes to cool slightly in the tray before turning out onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

When the cupcakes have cooled spoon the frosting on top and decorate with hundreds and thousands (or however you like!).

To make the vanilla frosting, beat the icing sugar and butter together using a wooden spoon and then an electric whisk on a medium-slow speed until the mixture comes together and has mixed through.

In a separate bowl, combine the milk and vanilla extract then add to the butter mixture a few spoonfuls at a time.

Once all the milk has been incorporated, turn the whisk up to a high speed and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy, at least 5 minutes (the longer the frosting is beaten, the fluffier and lighter it becomes.